we already had our x-mas gift giving ceremony. i made out very well, and thus, i am pleased. i got: 1. the velvet underground "peel slowly and see" box set. it has all four of their studio albums plus a bunch of rare songs and this really thick booklet to go with it (my favorite present). 2. the flaming lips - at war with the mystics 3. sigur ros - takk... 3. guitar hero 1 & 2 dual pack (guitar hero rules!) 4. a special providence and disturbing the peace, both by richard yates 5. i also got a bunch of other books my mom picked out that she thought i would like, and after looking at them, i think i will. a) we by yevgeny zamyatin b) slaughterhouse - five by kurt vonnegut c) life of pi by yann martel d) the echo maker by richard powers e) fahrenheit 451 by ray bradbury d) the meaning of life by bradley trevor greive (a short little book with illustrations of animals and useful "knowledge" to know throughout life. it looks interesting, to say the least.) anyway, i can't wait to read all of these. i am very excited. 6. $20 gift card for target from my brother 7. $150 (!) from my parents ohh almost forgot to add: 8. polo shirt and this billabong one 9. some air freshener things for my car my brother and his girlfriend are home for the holidays. i really enjoy talking to my brother. we get along like two brothers should and we are alike in so many ways (but different in so many more) that conversation is great. we all went out to eat with the parents at green mill. my food was good, and i took just a few vicodin beforehand to ensure a pretty fantastic time. it worked. there were a lot of laughs and good times. i.. and this is going to sound unthinkable, even as i say it i am stunned, but i had fun. so that made me happy. i had to work about 7 hours today. that was not fun. tomorrow i have to work at 9am (ugh!). i hate working saturdays. at least i will get to come late to my mom's side of the family's gathering at my house. the next day i have to go north about 2 hours for my dad's side of the family's gathering. that's the one i'm especially not looking forward to. well... i'm listening to the v u and it's about time to stop writing.